Irina Simeonova
Founder MFA Costume and Stage Design
Thinker, Enthusiast, Empath and Mostly Creative Human
After 22 years involved in fashion design/manufacturing in Europe and US and 20 years in higher education I realized there is a void for students with a passion for fashion design with the continuation into the industry. Market research coupled with my own success of creating curriculum and developing a college fashion program, starting with 50 students and escalating the enrollment to 400 in 3 years with a 93% retention (former Gibbs College) rate confirms this void. In the latest research we discover that 75% of the graduates were still perusing fashion either as retail owners or as designers. I have developed a unique college concept with a set bachelor’s degree curriculum to fill this void.
The concept is to develop a Co-Op Boutique College focused on fashion design and a corresponding set curriculum that focuses solely on fashion design as a start. It will begin with qualifying high school seniors and or transfers from other colleges who demonstrate an innate talent in fashion design. The first distinctive aspect is the professors. They are recognized in the fashion industry plus having the academic background to teach at the college level. The uniqueness of this college is in the student’s third and fourth year. In the third academic year he/she will develop a collection that the College will market and label under Red Fashion College. In the fourth academic year the student with the assistance of the College will market and sell their senior year collection under their own label.
Jana Svarckopfa
Sustainability activist and practitioner
Student Services Director MA in Business Administration, MA Engineering Science
Jana strength is working close with the students, problem solving on current logistics. She has strong passion and understanding of sustainability. Her very diverse education armed her with the needed knowledge of finances, organization and business. More than 20 years of experience in different fields of finances.
Kari Bley
Admission Representative
MBA Marketing and Business administration
Kari Bley joins us as a new addition to the Red Fashion College Project team, in the role of Admissions Representative. Prior to joining us Kari served as Treasurer for Friends of the Westport Public Art Collection which provides the financial resources for the ongoing management, conservation and programming of Westports’ art collection for the town and the public school system.
Kari has been a proud member of the Westport community for almost 20 years, volunteering for the Westport Public Library, Gillespie Homeless Shelter, Person to Person Food Bank, Junior Achievement as well as being an active leader in the National Charity League.
When not working and volunteering, Kari is a busy mom to 3 daughters, her chocolate lab (Ringo) and is excited to be a part of the RED family. She is looking forward to helping this organization grow and flourish through connecting people with education that furthers their passions, goals and interests.
Kiril Hristov
Ph.D Contemporary Art History,
MFA Fine Art-Painting,
Textile design and Fashion Illustration
Creativity and design are in the core of Prof. Hristov. His career as educator started when he was 33 years old. His resume includes teaching at Fashion Institute of Technology, Academy of Art University, California College of Arts, Academy of Fine Arts -Sofia Bulgaria. Kiril Hristov had one man shows around the globe. His teaching skills are transforming lives.